Have you ever wished you could go back in time, basically, to reclaim that youthful body with the caveaut to go back knowing what you know now?
No, this isn't an advertisement with some product that makes any promises. My joints hurt as I awake each and every day. I haven't slept through the night in years due to chronic pain in my back. I used to be able to ALMOST do a split and could punch at blinding speed. I used to be able to perform so much better, and alas, age presses on. I'm probably 70% of what I was when I was at my best in my youth.
Is this the song of the aged? "Oh, how I wish I was young .... knowing what I now know..."
I'm truly begining to wonder, if I am thinking this now, what will I think in 20 years? (assuming I'm still here). Will I reflect of a time where I would say, I wish I were 20 years younger knowing what I know now (now at that time I will be age 76).
And so, I live. I live each and every day. I go after that guitar arpegio that's eluded me forever, I still try to lift the weight that I've never been able to lift, I try to grow in my relationships and apply all the lessons learned so far. I find the depravity is still there, the capacity for change more challenging, but, my mind is strong and my desire to be all I can be is pushing for more.
I was haunted by a thought when I was a boy. I always wanted to be a black belt. A thought came to me, it was this. "If you got your black belt and there was noone else to see you with it, would you still want it?" This thought frightened me because I realized that I was driven for others, and the perception of others. It's what some call "motivation". That inner burning to accomplish. That which cannot be given to anyone else. The motivation can be good and it can be bad. When you see someone achieve a goal like running a marathon, does it make you think you can run a marathon? My point is that there will be things that we are driven to do that are for ourselves, and some things for others. The person who loses that 10 pounds or 100 pounds, or quits drugs and/or drinking, who quits running around and commits to his/her wife and family. These are marathons of a different kind. They are the kind that produces fruit in those around us. I think I'm coming to understand that I got my black belt and now, I'm content to share what I've learned with any who would want to know. I've learned a bit about playing guitar, and I'm happy to give my knowledge to anyone who would want it. My time that is left, it is to be honored and spent wisely and diligently for I don't know how much of it is left.
Today is the day I will want 20 years from now. What will I dream to do 20 years from now that I'm presently in that moment that can be fulfilled? Perhaps the ancients and those that have passed before us seem to have a clue.... I've heard most in the gneration(s) before me say, "if I could do it all over again, I'd spend more time with my kids." Others may say, "I would have not done this thing", or maybe even, "I wished I wouldn't have spent the last 20 years being guilty about ..."
Perhaps the key is, I may know more in 20 years, but, those that are 20 years ahead of me seem to be consistent with their drive to have worked for better relationships. To not harbor anger. To forgive, to forget, to respect, ultimately, to love. I wrote in my journal when I was 37 years of age that if the Lord gave me 37 more years, I did not want them to be like the first 37. For me, let this be a renewal of that spirit I showed. I want my last years to be my best.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
My uncle Angelo
My uncle Angelo passed. Angelo was my dad's brother, one who was about 9 years older than me and 13 years younger than my dad. He was a fraternal twin to my uncle Leon. In the summer of 1971, my father, brother, Angelo, Leon, grandfather, and great uncle George all took a trip to Greece. It may have been the most memorable time of my childhood. We went to the beach every day which created voracious appetites by which my wonderful aunt Aremenie fed us like an army returning from a campaign.
Angelo and Leon slept in a bed next to me and my brother. The relationship that Leon and Angelo had was hilarious to my young mind. One day, while we were settling in to sleep, one of the two moved in such a way that his toenail scratched the other. The argument that ensued will match any comedy routine that I've ever seen.
There was a genuine kindness to Angelo. He had an awesome sense of humor and a zeal for life. He was extremely passionate about many things. All you had to do is stop by and visit him. If you did, he showed you his garden. A garden that even to someone like me who is not into that pulled a respect and appreciation for the time he put into it. I asked him specifically what did he like and when did he know it and he told me about the beginnings when he was first on his own and grew some house plants. He loved the architecture of the pot and laying them out. I helped one day by watering them. He gave me very specific instructions on the watering and the time to fill each container. I am glad I had that opportunity that day to do something for him. After he would show you his garden, if you knew how to play backgammon, he'd more than likely play you and he loved to talk smack as he played. My dad and him would play for hours. Before he was sick, he would probably do three more things! One, he'd make you really think about who your voting for and why and his great passion for this country. Secondly, he'd love to show you his office. His labor of love to help people protect their assets and thrive towards retirement. "Soaring", a phrase attributed to the eagle, and to those who have been in his office, they'd see plenty of eagles. Finally, he'd FEED you. Angelo LOVED to eat and he knew the best food anywhere. He really enjoyed the fellowship of eating and visiting. If you were to just hang with him, in no time, he'd offer to take you to go and eat at some place that was going to be terrific. Dare I forget his grandkids???? Oh my God did he love his grandkids. Of course, that started when he was a father and would brag on his kids, and he took that same excitement on to the next generation.
On the few days I had to visit, he asked me if I wanted to go for a ride. I replied, "sure". I could see that food was no longer one of the passion points due to his battling of cancer. While he showed me homes of his beloved children, and brother, he drove and there was that one last time that Angelo relaxed and kept talking to me about the Miner Dunn Double Cheese Sandwich (forgive me if I got that wrong). He talked about the chili there and sherbet ice cream. I kept listening as we crossed the road that led to Miner Dunn, he pointed it out to me that it was just down the street there and asked if I was hungry. I replied, LET'S GO!! We went in and had the sandwich, chili, and sherbet. We had fellowship. It would be my last meal with my uncle, but, it was the best meal I've had with him.
I was with him when he went to the emergency room. And I was struck with the fact that he would periodically moan in pain. I asked him if he was in pain, to which he gave the same answer as always, "No, I'm just having some discomfort." Finally, I asked him, on a 1 - 10, where would you rank the discomfort. He replied, "10". I told him, Ang, that's pain. We then got him the appropriate medication to help with that and that was a better day. I have more memories that follow, but, I'll ponder those for yet a while.
I am amazed how much I really got to know him in a few days. Perhaps it's the knowing that there's no time to waste. No pretension, no jiving, just say the things that need to be said, do the things that need to be done. I will miss this wonderful father, husband, uncle, man. I never knew just how kind and sensitive he was, for that I'm sorry, not defeated because I hope to learn from that as I move forward.
Angelo and Leon slept in a bed next to me and my brother. The relationship that Leon and Angelo had was hilarious to my young mind. One day, while we were settling in to sleep, one of the two moved in such a way that his toenail scratched the other. The argument that ensued will match any comedy routine that I've ever seen.
There was a genuine kindness to Angelo. He had an awesome sense of humor and a zeal for life. He was extremely passionate about many things. All you had to do is stop by and visit him. If you did, he showed you his garden. A garden that even to someone like me who is not into that pulled a respect and appreciation for the time he put into it. I asked him specifically what did he like and when did he know it and he told me about the beginnings when he was first on his own and grew some house plants. He loved the architecture of the pot and laying them out. I helped one day by watering them. He gave me very specific instructions on the watering and the time to fill each container. I am glad I had that opportunity that day to do something for him. After he would show you his garden, if you knew how to play backgammon, he'd more than likely play you and he loved to talk smack as he played. My dad and him would play for hours. Before he was sick, he would probably do three more things! One, he'd make you really think about who your voting for and why and his great passion for this country. Secondly, he'd love to show you his office. His labor of love to help people protect their assets and thrive towards retirement. "Soaring", a phrase attributed to the eagle, and to those who have been in his office, they'd see plenty of eagles. Finally, he'd FEED you. Angelo LOVED to eat and he knew the best food anywhere. He really enjoyed the fellowship of eating and visiting. If you were to just hang with him, in no time, he'd offer to take you to go and eat at some place that was going to be terrific. Dare I forget his grandkids???? Oh my God did he love his grandkids. Of course, that started when he was a father and would brag on his kids, and he took that same excitement on to the next generation.
On the few days I had to visit, he asked me if I wanted to go for a ride. I replied, "sure". I could see that food was no longer one of the passion points due to his battling of cancer. While he showed me homes of his beloved children, and brother, he drove and there was that one last time that Angelo relaxed and kept talking to me about the Miner Dunn Double Cheese Sandwich (forgive me if I got that wrong). He talked about the chili there and sherbet ice cream. I kept listening as we crossed the road that led to Miner Dunn, he pointed it out to me that it was just down the street there and asked if I was hungry. I replied, LET'S GO!! We went in and had the sandwich, chili, and sherbet. We had fellowship. It would be my last meal with my uncle, but, it was the best meal I've had with him.
I was with him when he went to the emergency room. And I was struck with the fact that he would periodically moan in pain. I asked him if he was in pain, to which he gave the same answer as always, "No, I'm just having some discomfort." Finally, I asked him, on a 1 - 10, where would you rank the discomfort. He replied, "10". I told him, Ang, that's pain. We then got him the appropriate medication to help with that and that was a better day. I have more memories that follow, but, I'll ponder those for yet a while.
I am amazed how much I really got to know him in a few days. Perhaps it's the knowing that there's no time to waste. No pretension, no jiving, just say the things that need to be said, do the things that need to be done. I will miss this wonderful father, husband, uncle, man. I never knew just how kind and sensitive he was, for that I'm sorry, not defeated because I hope to learn from that as I move forward.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
My brother and I
I was put in charge of him and have attempted to be that leader in a responsible way. I'm not proud of all that I've thought, said, or done, but, I've tried.
I thought of him today in a special way because I saw a documentary on Paul Williams. One of the most prolific song writers of our time and a name that many will probably not know. Steve, (my brother), will know the name. He's really good at that kind of thing, as well as movies, directors, actors, certain sports and so on. What struck me as I watched the documentary was that it was so enjoyable to me. You see, in the 70's, everything was so mysterious. All of the standard plots you'd see on the TV shows that would show patterns of similarity and yet sometimes throw different axioms into the mix... Like Bobby Brady needing to know WHEN to quit vs. "Little Joe" on Bonanza being exhorted to NEVER quit. These things confused me as a boy. Like Jim Carry in the Cable guy, I watched these shows and actually thought this was the way things were supposed to be. A kind and gentle set of parents that the Brady Bunch offered, one who would scold mildly or talk over family issues. It was the paradise I longed for. You'd see Gilligan's Island and I had no clue of the turmoil Sherman Schwartz had between Tina Louise and Bob Denver. I don't remember the candid interviews you can now get that provides the behind the scenes kind of thing that thrills me personally. Oh ya, back to my brother.... I thought as I watched this Paul Williams documentary how, for me, it was a slice of heaven. I was getting insights to the Merv Griffin show, the Michael Douglas show, and more... I can see my brother reading this going "UGH" REALLY ?? But, this isn't a complaint about him.
We're simply different...
He'll watch a movie that moves him, he'll tell me about it, I'll watch it. I'll send him my commentary on it. He'll do the same for me. Do you know why? Because we love each other. Oh, this didn't come over night, I can assure you of that. I remember when he had me to go and see, "The Full Monty". (he's smiling now). But, he's turned me on to many gems, Shawshank Redemption, Pope of Greenwich Village to name a few. I think he has tremendous insights to movies. Movies can be a poxy to bring things together. I've witnessed two people in a family that never speak and one day just because the topic was movies, it became a substance of connection.
Apart from movies, we can talk about anything else in life with no pretension. We have fought about everything and moved on from every disagreement. We used to argue about Godzilla and King Kong. I still say King Kong won the fight. We'd argue about Orange vs. Grape Koolaid. I liked Ron Santo, he liked Ernie Banks (both Chi Cub Players). But regardless of all the arguing...... He knows, and I know. We're brothers.
He challenges me...
Recently, I really believe that I've written the best and most thorough song of my life. After playing it for him, he said, "You can do better". To some, that may sound discouraging. Not to me. I know where he's coming from and it stays with me. I believe we all need to have people in our life that really knows us, where there's total honesty, total freedom to hear and say, but, here's the key; the statement must come from love. If you have that person, you have a treasure. My brother is that treasure.
It's a wonderful life...
In the movie it's a wonderful life (one that I really like and well, actually, I don't know what Steve thinks of it, but, Jimmy Stewart wishes he was never born. The angel demonstrates how different life would have been for so many people had he not been on the earth. The idea from that movie motivates and challenges me tremendously. It's really an impetus for this blog. I know of a few men that lost their younger brothers, I can't tell you how much that hurts to ponder. My brother has helped me through some of the hardest times of my life. To be honest, my parents rarely asked me how I was or felt, but I always knew my brother did. That's who he is. He's really kind of shy and lacks confidence in some ways, but, I know with the greatest confidence that when love moves him, it is an amazing thing to experience. I know of his struggles and how hard he has worked to overcome. I can't help but reflect to the point of this paragraph... I don't want to know the vacuum that would exist without him.
Do not leave the earth without saying...
I write this because, we cannot presume tomorrow. We have now, and now is all I have. If I were to die with these thoughts, no one would benefit. No one would know. I think that that may be one of the greatest weaknesses of people in general, one of my greatest weaknesses. I battle with a negative, pessimistic mindset. But, there are times, actually many times where a kind word, a decent act, an act of love I'll observe and it warms my heart and I don't say anything. This statement is reprehensible, but, it remains a truth for me... why don't I say it? Because I perceive it as being weak. Yes, there are times I'll look at my wife and think, my God, she looks amazing, vibrant, youthful, and it remains in the chamber of my heart. Perhaps, she'll be next on my list. And BTW, those that know me and have felt the sting of my tongue, it is nowhere near eloquent as the words I type. I must take these times to unlock the chamber, and be weak, vulnerable, and reflective. I say to you Steve, I know that you prioritize when I call. I know you look forward to see me when I'm in town. I know you delight in seeing me eat an Al's Italian Beef sandwich, you see, for a person to look for another person's desire is love and that is invaluable. That pure motivation cannot be purchased and few there are that give it and I want you to know I appreciate and love you bro.
What's the final chapter?
As boys, we went to Europe together. We ran the streets of our father's birthplace in Greece. We got sick together on a boat crossing from Greece to an island just off of Turkey. Some embarrassing stories that I'll spare. But, man, it was just living. This was before the testosterone flowed to begin my quest for stuff, and failures and misguided pursuits. It was an innocent time where we really depended on each other. Will we get to go back?
I'll close by saying, I NEVER dreamed as a young boy that life would be this good. Yes, life is good. Yes, there's suffering, there's plenty of disappointments, there's sickness, there's pain, there's even death to contend, but, as long as we're alive and we have breath, I can say I'm so thankful for my brother.
Friday, April 12, 2013
We now know
We now know
Have you ever heard the phrase "we now know?" I can't help but think, if you now know it, why didn't you know it before, and worst, if you now know something you didn't know before, then, who's to say that what you know now will be replaced with a new statement tomorrow?
I remember watching the Chicago Cubs in 1969 and Ernie banks saying, "The cubs will shine in 69". It was his thing to create an optimistic phrase every year. Furthermore, I remember that steaks were the protein of choice for the athlete working out and that a good breakfast was a glass of orange juice, eggs and bacon. WE NOW KNOW that one egg supplies your daily amount of cholesterol, not to include the bacon, butter on the toast and that second or third egg. That orange juice will spike your insulin because it's so rich in sugar. Man, I NOW KNOW that I really DON'T KNOW which plan to choose? Atkins? 30/40/30, low fat?, low carbs? It's even gotten to the point that psychiatrists/psychologists are the authorities on television telling us the way things are because "we now know".
I'm sorry, I don't know that all things fall or fit into this class. For example, I think it's always been wrong, is wrong, and ever shall be wrong to do certain things, like murdering someone, committing adultery, stealing, etc... I'm not saying that I'm not tempted and or even failed. I'm simply saying that I'm not willing to vacate the everlasting knowledge with the temporal knowledge. If the truth is only what I perceive it to be then we've digressed though it appears to be progress.
Now, I know that I've jumped from an empirical point earlier, (that knowledge is ascertained by a processes of theorizing something that is, and testing it) to an argument for the moral imperative, (that certain things are always right or always wrong regardless of supposed hypothesis, data gathering and conclusions put forth). But, I think there's a connection. I once worked with a Duke graduate who worked for a household name pharmacy company that told me she wanted to change careers to programming because of the pressures to pass drugs through and ignore apparent anomalies or false conclusions. The point is, when theory, hypothesis, and conclusion also include an intention for data to come to a certain conclusion, the "we now know" is grossly overrated.
When you see a doctor, he/she has protocol and this previously accepted knowledge is their guidelines whereby decisions are made and CAN affect you adversely. For example, should you have a mammogram every year? Recently, that apparent absolute and resounding "YES" is being questioned because .... you guessed it, "we now know". Well, what about all those women who have been saturated with the negative effects of the radiation having followed the supposed FORMER "we now know?"
In conclusion, I've always known the love of my parents and siblings. I've always known that I will die one day. I've always known that this life is futile, limited, and unless an eternal perspective is factored in, well... less than optimal. I've always known the love of a wife, the love of my children, the moral absolutes that never change. I've always known that most people try hard and do their best, but the best thing to say is rather than "we now know" would be "we sure hope this is right" because if it isn't, you may be affecting us adversely. Let us hope to find the things that have an eternal rather than temporal benefit.
Have you ever heard the phrase "we now know?" I can't help but think, if you now know it, why didn't you know it before, and worst, if you now know something you didn't know before, then, who's to say that what you know now will be replaced with a new statement tomorrow?I remember watching the Chicago Cubs in 1969 and Ernie banks saying, "The cubs will shine in 69". It was his thing to create an optimistic phrase every year. Furthermore, I remember that steaks were the protein of choice for the athlete working out and that a good breakfast was a glass of orange juice, eggs and bacon. WE NOW KNOW that one egg supplies your daily amount of cholesterol, not to include the bacon, butter on the toast and that second or third egg. That orange juice will spike your insulin because it's so rich in sugar. Man, I NOW KNOW that I really DON'T KNOW which plan to choose? Atkins? 30/40/30, low fat?, low carbs? It's even gotten to the point that psychiatrists/psychologists are the authorities on television telling us the way things are because "we now know".
I'm sorry, I don't know that all things fall or fit into this class. For example, I think it's always been wrong, is wrong, and ever shall be wrong to do certain things, like murdering someone, committing adultery, stealing, etc... I'm not saying that I'm not tempted and or even failed. I'm simply saying that I'm not willing to vacate the everlasting knowledge with the temporal knowledge. If the truth is only what I perceive it to be then we've digressed though it appears to be progress.
Now, I know that I've jumped from an empirical point earlier, (that knowledge is ascertained by a processes of theorizing something that is, and testing it) to an argument for the moral imperative, (that certain things are always right or always wrong regardless of supposed hypothesis, data gathering and conclusions put forth). But, I think there's a connection. I once worked with a Duke graduate who worked for a household name pharmacy company that told me she wanted to change careers to programming because of the pressures to pass drugs through and ignore apparent anomalies or false conclusions. The point is, when theory, hypothesis, and conclusion also include an intention for data to come to a certain conclusion, the "we now know" is grossly overrated.
When you see a doctor, he/she has protocol and this previously accepted knowledge is their guidelines whereby decisions are made and CAN affect you adversely. For example, should you have a mammogram every year? Recently, that apparent absolute and resounding "YES" is being questioned because .... you guessed it, "we now know". Well, what about all those women who have been saturated with the negative effects of the radiation having followed the supposed FORMER "we now know?"
In conclusion, I've always known the love of my parents and siblings. I've always known that I will die one day. I've always known that this life is futile, limited, and unless an eternal perspective is factored in, well... less than optimal. I've always known the love of a wife, the love of my children, the moral absolutes that never change. I've always known that most people try hard and do their best, but the best thing to say is rather than "we now know" would be "we sure hope this is right" because if it isn't, you may be affecting us adversely. Let us hope to find the things that have an eternal rather than temporal benefit.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Wear what I wear please
So, as I promised, here's the story and my bizarre thoughts... And I readily admit, this is not normal.
I went to get my mail from the mail box, which really is just to open the door and reach over to the left since the mail box is within an arm's reach of opening the door. My wife freaks out and screams, "some one's going to see you in your underwear." I'm thinking, what's the big deal? Well, I should add to the facts that we live on a very busy street and there's a high probability that a car will drive by even though it's a quick opening of the door. So, to deny that I will be seen is not tenable. My argument is, why is it that when EVERYONE takes their shirt off, it's OK for me to take my shirt off and NOT until then?
Continue...
You go to the beach and you wear a bikini. How does that differ from underwear? BTW, I'm not trying to be cute here and I understand that there's sheer type of underwear that would reveal something that wouldn't be revealed in a bikini, but, apples to apples... a little top to insure the hidden part of the breast remains hidden and well, you finish the rest for the bottom, the point is, BOTH reveal the same portions of flesh.
The AGREEMENT we seem to have in society is, do NOT do that unless we're all doing it! If you put that outfit on and walk into the night club, it will probably be frowned upon. Heck, there's even nude beaches where all agree it's OK to take everything off. Back to me and checking the mail... So, there I am in my boxers or briefs? Depends (inside joke), anyway, and I'm genuinely thinking, if my underwear were called a "bathing suit", I could have come from my supposed pool and was simply checking my mail... oh no, bad bad bad, because the people that are outside are in a zone where they're wearing clothes, and so, it is taboo that I would be shirtless and so on. You know, I could really push this subject and talk about supposed differences between underwear and other clothing, but, I don't think that's really the point. I'm honestly puzzled about why this rule exists?
Answer.
Perhaps we seem to have an innate drive to want people to be like us. If they're different, we look and wonder, "why is he eating his cereal with orange juice instead of milk?" (ewww, I know wouldn't that taste terribly), but, really, this same thing that pulls people in the same direction becomes a discriminatory pulse as well. Perhaps it's part of the basis of prejudices and other things that can be taken to the extreme. I'll never forget the first time I was ostracized because I was dipping my cookie in milk. For some reason, the person in grade school had never fathomed that practice and began to loudly point out my unusual behavior, or the time that I decided to urinate in the break room while lunch was going on.. oh, I know I should have put my shoes on, but, what the heck? Seriously, I do want to be part of society, for "no man is an island" Aristotle... I've also come to discover that although I do enjoy people with whom I share values, people with my personality are not my best match to hang out with, it almost seems like opposites are a better fit. So, everyone break the rules today... go out and check your mail in whatever outfit you want and then ask them to read this blog.
I went to get my mail from the mail box, which really is just to open the door and reach over to the left since the mail box is within an arm's reach of opening the door. My wife freaks out and screams, "some one's going to see you in your underwear." I'm thinking, what's the big deal? Well, I should add to the facts that we live on a very busy street and there's a high probability that a car will drive by even though it's a quick opening of the door. So, to deny that I will be seen is not tenable. My argument is, why is it that when EVERYONE takes their shirt off, it's OK for me to take my shirt off and NOT until then?Continue...
You go to the beach and you wear a bikini. How does that differ from underwear? BTW, I'm not trying to be cute here and I understand that there's sheer type of underwear that would reveal something that wouldn't be revealed in a bikini, but, apples to apples... a little top to insure the hidden part of the breast remains hidden and well, you finish the rest for the bottom, the point is, BOTH reveal the same portions of flesh.
The AGREEMENT we seem to have in society is, do NOT do that unless we're all doing it! If you put that outfit on and walk into the night club, it will probably be frowned upon. Heck, there's even nude beaches where all agree it's OK to take everything off. Back to me and checking the mail... So, there I am in my boxers or briefs? Depends (inside joke), anyway, and I'm genuinely thinking, if my underwear were called a "bathing suit", I could have come from my supposed pool and was simply checking my mail... oh no, bad bad bad, because the people that are outside are in a zone where they're wearing clothes, and so, it is taboo that I would be shirtless and so on. You know, I could really push this subject and talk about supposed differences between underwear and other clothing, but, I don't think that's really the point. I'm honestly puzzled about why this rule exists?
Answer.
Perhaps we seem to have an innate drive to want people to be like us. If they're different, we look and wonder, "why is he eating his cereal with orange juice instead of milk?" (ewww, I know wouldn't that taste terribly), but, really, this same thing that pulls people in the same direction becomes a discriminatory pulse as well. Perhaps it's part of the basis of prejudices and other things that can be taken to the extreme. I'll never forget the first time I was ostracized because I was dipping my cookie in milk. For some reason, the person in grade school had never fathomed that practice and began to loudly point out my unusual behavior, or the time that I decided to urinate in the break room while lunch was going on.. oh, I know I should have put my shoes on, but, what the heck? Seriously, I do want to be part of society, for "no man is an island" Aristotle... I've also come to discover that although I do enjoy people with whom I share values, people with my personality are not my best match to hang out with, it almost seems like opposites are a better fit. So, everyone break the rules today... go out and check your mail in whatever outfit you want and then ask them to read this blog.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Changes
Ch Ch changes....
I want to say that I'm pushing as hard as possible to complete my new year's goals for 2013. Yeah, remember when that was so hot in the first week of January? I've lost 7 of the 10 lbs, and I've produced an original and performed it. It's an original born of one of the greatest pains in my life. Lord willing, I'll record it and offer it on the website soon and will greatly appreciate your support in purchasing a copy of the song. I truly say, it's not about the money, it's really about wanting to test my theory of what I call the pied piper affect. I believe that songs become popular for various reasons. Perhaps the message, the melody, the presentation, the fame of an artist, the fact that its shoved down your throat with big buck distribution. But for something to last, it has to have that something special contained within it. The formula is unknown, for if it could scientifically be produced, the Paul McCartney would still be producing hits. When it happens, there's no doubt that its happening, much like in today's experience of viral explosions. Some think to simply do something repulsive and that it'll explode, not necessarily the formula. And so, I eagerly look forward to recording, as a starting point, this first one, for regardless of the critiques I may receive, the song IS mine. It is my reflection, and it is my experience. Will the pied piper lure you into listening? Will he cause you to tell your family, friends, work associates? Businesses try to produce the sharing element and there are many who specialize in exposure and attempting to leverage the implosion and capabilities that are before us. My hope is that there's a juncture between the attempt at telling a story through my craft and that it touches hearts. Presently, I'm not ready to tell the in depth story that underlies the song. When I do, you'll understand, for I'm not a secretive kind of person. Those who know me know that my heart is on my sleeve.
To continue the discussion on the subject of change, I'm constantly at the Mavs stadium and regularly meeting and speaking with the Vice President of Marketing there. I have an opportunity to get some rock originals played there and Rick and I have been working on that product. Just last night, we had a monster jam session and came up with a plethora of ideas. I'd like to digress and speak about my friend Rick Stevens, a.k.a. "superflex". When he works with me on original material, it's like he's a missing voice in my head who completes the missing ingredients as I write. He'll either come up with the lyric, or the melody, or the tempo, or the beat, but always a missing piece to make it come alive. I'm a fairly decent guitar player and can fairly well copy other artists. Creating originals that may one day be copied is a special craft. It's an area that is new and fresh. When you continue to age in this life, new and fresh is very welcome.
Finally, the band is learning new material. We have learned quite a few new tunes and there's more coming. Some contemporary and presently an emphasis in some 90's rock. More on that as the songs are carefully selected and learned at a later time.
In closing, to those who read this, PLEASE follow, and provide comments. I think what makes me personally different as a musician in a band is that I truly try to get to know the people with whom I interact. There are many of you who know that. I don't know who reads unless you follow or comment, so, please do if you can. Three quarters left to accomplish the ch ch changes. I hope things are well with you. I look forward to seeing or hearing from each one of you.
I want to say that I'm pushing as hard as possible to complete my new year's goals for 2013. Yeah, remember when that was so hot in the first week of January? I've lost 7 of the 10 lbs, and I've produced an original and performed it. It's an original born of one of the greatest pains in my life. Lord willing, I'll record it and offer it on the website soon and will greatly appreciate your support in purchasing a copy of the song. I truly say, it's not about the money, it's really about wanting to test my theory of what I call the pied piper affect. I believe that songs become popular for various reasons. Perhaps the message, the melody, the presentation, the fame of an artist, the fact that its shoved down your throat with big buck distribution. But for something to last, it has to have that something special contained within it. The formula is unknown, for if it could scientifically be produced, the Paul McCartney would still be producing hits. When it happens, there's no doubt that its happening, much like in today's experience of viral explosions. Some think to simply do something repulsive and that it'll explode, not necessarily the formula. And so, I eagerly look forward to recording, as a starting point, this first one, for regardless of the critiques I may receive, the song IS mine. It is my reflection, and it is my experience. Will the pied piper lure you into listening? Will he cause you to tell your family, friends, work associates? Businesses try to produce the sharing element and there are many who specialize in exposure and attempting to leverage the implosion and capabilities that are before us. My hope is that there's a juncture between the attempt at telling a story through my craft and that it touches hearts. Presently, I'm not ready to tell the in depth story that underlies the song. When I do, you'll understand, for I'm not a secretive kind of person. Those who know me know that my heart is on my sleeve.
To continue the discussion on the subject of change, I'm constantly at the Mavs stadium and regularly meeting and speaking with the Vice President of Marketing there. I have an opportunity to get some rock originals played there and Rick and I have been working on that product. Just last night, we had a monster jam session and came up with a plethora of ideas. I'd like to digress and speak about my friend Rick Stevens, a.k.a. "superflex". When he works with me on original material, it's like he's a missing voice in my head who completes the missing ingredients as I write. He'll either come up with the lyric, or the melody, or the tempo, or the beat, but always a missing piece to make it come alive. I'm a fairly decent guitar player and can fairly well copy other artists. Creating originals that may one day be copied is a special craft. It's an area that is new and fresh. When you continue to age in this life, new and fresh is very welcome.
Finally, the band is learning new material. We have learned quite a few new tunes and there's more coming. Some contemporary and presently an emphasis in some 90's rock. More on that as the songs are carefully selected and learned at a later time.
In closing, to those who read this, PLEASE follow, and provide comments. I think what makes me personally different as a musician in a band is that I truly try to get to know the people with whom I interact. There are many of you who know that. I don't know who reads unless you follow or comment, so, please do if you can. Three quarters left to accomplish the ch ch changes. I hope things are well with you. I look forward to seeing or hearing from each one of you.
Monday, February 11, 2013
If we build it, will you come???
Years ago, Sabrina and Gypsybleu set a foot print in the city of Plano. The club was called, "Bullwinkles". We played there on a regular rotation and got to know a lot of people and thoroughly enjoyed playing there. It just seemed like home for us. In recent weeks, the club has been re-opened under a new name called "Local Public House Bar & Grill". It's been re-vamped on the inside and we'll be coming back on March 9, 2013. I'm personally looking forward to it. I know every square inch of that place. I'm looking forward to filling it with sound... good sound. So, will you come? Will you partake in a reunion gig? Come and share in this experience with me, with us.
On to new things...uncharted waters
I've written some songs that are based on experiences in my life in recent years. I'm beginning to work with the band to prepare them for recording and distribution to those will will come. The songs will be built, Lord willing. Will you come? I've decided that many folks write songs in their youth. They say things like, "Money can't buy me love", "Only the good die young", "I can't get no satisfaction". I could go on and on. But, I've been wondering. Why aren't their more song writers that are in their 50's, 60's and so on? I mean, when the Rolling Stones said, "I can't get no satisfaction", we understood it in a way when we were kids, but, if it came out today, and it's main audience was teenagers to young adults, would it even appear on our radar? Is there a space/room for a voice that would say something like, I've been through several marriages and I'm tired of being lonely, but, I'm too scared to trust yet another person? Or, I gave my kids all the love I could, and today, they despise me when I offer advice. Or, I've given this company the best years of my life and they let me go like I'm a sac of dirt. It's not just the generic package of a lost love, or a love gone cold, but, where are the songs that are written by the gray heads having a perspective of life in the moment with specific stories? I'm sure they exist.
I mention the above because, that's what I want to write about. I want to provide original songs that tell a story. A true story that will have had a basis in victory, or in pain, or some other collective emotion. Many people go through life holding their personality close to the vest. I am choosing to bring it to the stage, to share it and take whatever comes my way.
And so, I ask you in conclusion. When you see that we begin to distribute music.. It'll be very reasonably priced. Like, 99 cents a song. I'm not asking for you to purchase something you don't like. I am asking you to listen to it. I'll be exposing like 30 seconds of the song for your testing. If you like it, please "vote" by purchasing it, tell a friend. Hey, I can live with the possibility that I've produced music that may not have a mass appeal, I can live with failing, and falling. It won't hurt my feelings because I'm trying. And without trying, I'd never know. I want to live my life fearlessly. For, if we fear while we live, we're already as good as dead.
So, if I build em, will you come? Will you listen? Please, if you've never responded to a blog of mine, please do, I'd love to hear from you!
Marino Stathakis
Co-Leader, Lead Guitarist - Sabrina & Gypsybleu
Years ago, Sabrina and Gypsybleu set a foot print in the city of Plano. The club was called, "Bullwinkles". We played there on a regular rotation and got to know a lot of people and thoroughly enjoyed playing there. It just seemed like home for us. In recent weeks, the club has been re-opened under a new name called "Local Public House Bar & Grill". It's been re-vamped on the inside and we'll be coming back on March 9, 2013. I'm personally looking forward to it. I know every square inch of that place. I'm looking forward to filling it with sound... good sound. So, will you come? Will you partake in a reunion gig? Come and share in this experience with me, with us.
On to new things...uncharted waters
I've written some songs that are based on experiences in my life in recent years. I'm beginning to work with the band to prepare them for recording and distribution to those will will come. The songs will be built, Lord willing. Will you come? I've decided that many folks write songs in their youth. They say things like, "Money can't buy me love", "Only the good die young", "I can't get no satisfaction". I could go on and on. But, I've been wondering. Why aren't their more song writers that are in their 50's, 60's and so on? I mean, when the Rolling Stones said, "I can't get no satisfaction", we understood it in a way when we were kids, but, if it came out today, and it's main audience was teenagers to young adults, would it even appear on our radar? Is there a space/room for a voice that would say something like, I've been through several marriages and I'm tired of being lonely, but, I'm too scared to trust yet another person? Or, I gave my kids all the love I could, and today, they despise me when I offer advice. Or, I've given this company the best years of my life and they let me go like I'm a sac of dirt. It's not just the generic package of a lost love, or a love gone cold, but, where are the songs that are written by the gray heads having a perspective of life in the moment with specific stories? I'm sure they exist.
I mention the above because, that's what I want to write about. I want to provide original songs that tell a story. A true story that will have had a basis in victory, or in pain, or some other collective emotion. Many people go through life holding their personality close to the vest. I am choosing to bring it to the stage, to share it and take whatever comes my way.
And so, I ask you in conclusion. When you see that we begin to distribute music.. It'll be very reasonably priced. Like, 99 cents a song. I'm not asking for you to purchase something you don't like. I am asking you to listen to it. I'll be exposing like 30 seconds of the song for your testing. If you like it, please "vote" by purchasing it, tell a friend. Hey, I can live with the possibility that I've produced music that may not have a mass appeal, I can live with failing, and falling. It won't hurt my feelings because I'm trying. And without trying, I'd never know. I want to live my life fearlessly. For, if we fear while we live, we're already as good as dead.
So, if I build em, will you come? Will you listen? Please, if you've never responded to a blog of mine, please do, I'd love to hear from you!
Marino Stathakis
Co-Leader, Lead Guitarist - Sabrina & Gypsybleu
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